GILLETT, Orlin Hubbard - 1890 Bio (1844-1907)

GILLETT, RILEY, STOCKTON, MCCOY, POLLOCK, WELLS, MOORE, HARPER

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/7/2007 at 20:48:20

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 454-455

Orlin H. GILLETT is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Jefferson County. His home is now on section 26, Polk Township, and comprises a portion of the land which his father claimed forty-three years ago. The members of the family have been prominently connected with the history of the county and have done not a little for the advancement of its interests and the promotion of its leading enterprises. Especially have they been connected with the development of the wild land, several hundred acres of the raw prairie or unbroken timber being placed under the plow by father and sons. L. T. GILLETT, the father of the family, was born in Connecticut and spent the first sixteen years of his life in that State. He started out to make his own way in the world and entered upon his business career as a traveling salesman, selling clocks. For a number of years he followed that pursuit, during which time he visited most of the Eastern and Middle States. In his journeyings he reached Knox County, Ill., and being placed with the county and its future prospects made there a location, becoming owner of a tract of land upon which the village of Knoxville is located. It was in Knox County that he formed the acquaintance of and wedded Miss Elzan RILEY, a native of Indiana, whose parents were pioneers of Knox County. Her father served in the Black Hawk War with the rank of Major.

Mr. and Mrs. GILLETT continued to make their home in Illinois until the spring of 1843, when thinking to better their financial condition they crossed the Father of Waters into Iowa and made a settlement in Polk Township, Jefferson County. Mr. GILLETT was a man of more than ordinary ability and a most successful farmer. He at one time owned one thousand acres of land in this county and ere his death, which occurred in August, 1870, he had improved over six hundred acres of land. He took an active part in everything that pertained to the welfare of the community and it was through his instrumentality that the first schoolhouse in Polk Township was built. His fellow citizens, appreciating his worth and ability, frequently called upon him to serve in positions of public trust for being acquainted with his upright character they knew that the duties would ever be faithfully discharged. He was untiring in his efforts to promote the general welfare and his death proved a sad loss to the community. Mrs. GILLETT is still living and makes her home with her children.

The family of this worthy couple numbered thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, while nine are yet living -- Ellen is the wife of Edwin STOCKTON, of Illinois; Penelope became the wife of J. B. McCOY and died at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; James G. died at the age of twenty-three, his death caused by the kick from a horse. He served in the late war as a member of Company I, Second Iowa Infantry; O. H. of this sketch is the next younger; Eliza J. is the wife of J. POLLOCK, of Lincoln, Neb.; Z. T. is a resident farmer of Polk Township; Janet is the wife of William WELLS, of the same township; William R. is a farmer of Dickenson County, Iowa; John R. makes his home in Davis County, Mo.; Edward is engaged in merchandising in Holyoke, Col., where Lester T., the youngest of the family, is also living.

O. H. GILLETT, whose name heads this sketch, has spent his entire life in this county, his birth occurring on the old homestead in Polk Township, in 1844. He acquired such education as the district schools of that day afforded and at the age of twenty-two began life for himself, renting a part of his father's land. He is now the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, this tract forming a portion of that which his father entered in 1843. As it was entirely unimproved, he had to break and plow the land before planting crops. In fact it was entirely developed by him and is a monument to his industry and enterprise. The owner thoroughly understands his business -- a fact which is indicated by a glance at the highly cultivated fields and well kept barns. In addition to the raising of crops he deals quit extensively in improved grades of farm stock, his annual shipments being quite large.

In 1867, Mr. GILLETT led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth MOORE, daughter of Henry and Mary J. (HARPER) MOORE. Her parents were natives of the Emerald Isle and Mrs. GILLETT was born in Ohio. By their union were born eight children yet living and two now deceased. Those who still survive are Nevada, Flaval O., Mary, Bertha, Maggie, Ray, May and Iva. Mrs. GILLETT was formerly a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a lady held in high regard for her many excellencies of character. Mr. GILLETT is a member of the Farmers' Alliance and in political sentiment is a stalwart supporter of the Democracy, taking an active interest in all that pertains to its welfare. He has served on the central committee and is an influential member of his party in local circles. Almost constantly for a number of years he has served as a member of the School Board and has done effective service for the cause of education. A friend to all worthy enterprises he has aided in the upbuilding and advancement of the community and has been a liberal supporter of charitable and benevolent institutions. Although not a church member, his donations to the church are not small and financially he has aided greatly in its growth. He ranks among the best citizens of Polk Township, is one of its leading farmers and is an honored pioneer of Jefferson County who is well worthy a place in the volume of its history.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.